Then the peopleof the landdiscouragedthe peopleof Judah,and frightenedthem from building,
Now when Ish-bosheth, Saul'sson,heardthat Abnerhad diedin Hebron,he lostcourage,and allIsraelwas disturbed.
So they setup the altaron its foundation,for they were terrifiedbecauseof the peoplesof the lands;and they offeredburntofferingson it to the LORD,burntofferingsmorningand evening.
and hiredcounselorsagainstthem to frustratetheir counselallthe daysof Cyruskingof Persia,even untilthe reignof Dariuskingof Persia.
Our enemiessaid,"They will not knowor seeuntilwe comeamongthem, killthem and puta stopto the work."
He spokein the presenceof his brothersand the wealthy[men] of Samariaand said,"Whatare these feebleJewsdoing?Are they going to restore[it] for themselves? Can they offersacrifices?Can they finishin a day?Can they revivethe stonesfrom the dustyrubbleeven the burnedones?"
For allof them were [trying] to frightenus, thinking,"They will becomediscouragedwith the workand it will not be done."But now,[O God], strengthenmy hands.
Then the officialssaidto the king,"Nowlet thismanbe putto death,inasmuchas he is discouragingthe menof warwho are leftin thiscityand allthe people,by speakingsuchwordsto them; for thismanis not seekingthe well-beingof thispeoplebut rathertheir harm."
"But the princeof the kingdomof Persiawas withstandingme for twenty-onedays;then behold,Michael,oneof the chiefprinces,cameto helpme, for I had been lefttherewith the kingsof Persia.
Then he said,"Do you understandwhyI cameto you? But I shall nowreturnto fightagainstthe princeof Persia;so I am goingforth,and behold,the princeof Greeceis about to come.
